A Compassionate Path to Parenthood: Becoming a Surrogate

Ever thought about giving another family the greatest gift possible?

Deciding to become a surrogate is one of the most rewarding decisions a woman can make. It's life-changing for intended parents and the surrogate herself. With more families needing assistance expanding their families than ever, demand for surrogates has never been higher.

Here's the thing:

Not all women qualify. There are specific surrogate requirements to keep everyone safe. The surrogate, the intended parents, and the baby.

This guide breaks it all down…

What you'll uncover:

• What Surrogacy Really Means
• The Main Surrogate Requirements
• The Steps To Becoming A Surrogate
• Why Women Choose This Journey

What Surrogacy Really Means

Surrogacy is defined as a woman carrying and giving birth to a child for someone else. The parents wanting the child might be incapable of doing so themselves, either for medical reasons or by choice. This is where surrogacy comes into play.

There are two main types:

• Gestational surrogacy: The surrogate mother has no genetic link to the child. Instead, an embryo created using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents (or donors) is implanted into the surrogate mother's uterus.
• Traditional surrogacy: Involves the surrogate's egg being used. She is the biological mother. Rare now.

Agencies today typically only work with gestational carriers. It's the best option legally and emotionally for everyone.

Surrogacy is booming too. The number of IVF cycles performed using a gestational carrier has increased by over 400% in the U.S. since 1999, according to national data. As a result, more than 18,000 infants have been born. Amazing how much things can change in 20 years.

Women who are serious about bringing joy to another couple should start off by reading about how to become a surrogate in Los Angeles. California has some of the friendliest surrogacy laws and largest support networks in the country. This means all of the surrogate requirements are easily obtainable, even for first-time surrogates.

The Main Surrogate Requirements

Now to the important part…

If a woman wants to become a surrogate, all she has to do is say so, right? Wrong. There are strict surrogate guidelines set forth by agencies and fertility clinics. They are in place to protect everyone involved and provide the pregnancy every opportunity for a healthy result.

Let's look at the main areas.

Age & Health Requirements

Agencies typically prefer surrogates to be between the ages of 21 and 40. Some states have laws requiring a surrogate to be at least 21 years old. Massachusetts state law, for instance, states that a surrogate must "have attained the age of twenty-one (21) years" prior to entering a surrogacy agreement.

Health is huge too. That means:

• A healthy BMI (usually 19-32)
• No smoking, drugs or heavy drinking
• No history of serious pregnancy complications
• Up-to-date on all health screenings

Agencies also conduct a full medical screening before approval. Blood work, a uterine exam and review of the surrogate's medical history are included.

Pregnancy History

Here's a big one…

Most agencies want the surrogate to have previously birthed at least one healthy child. Reason: If a woman has had a successful pregnancy it proves that her body is able to gestate a baby to full term without complication.

It also means she already understands:

• What pregnancy feels like
• How labour and delivery work
• The emotional side of giving birth

Agencies also like to know that she is presently parenting her child (or children) in a stable home environment.

Lifestyle Requirements

Having a healthy lifestyle is important. Agencies look for surrogates who have stable, healthy lifestyles. By that they mean:

• A stable home environment
• No reliance on government financial aid
• A supportive partner, family or friends
• No criminal record
• Willingness to attend regular medical appointments

There's also a psychological screening. This is not to catch anyone off-guard — it's to ensure the surrogate is mentally prepared for the process.

The Steps To Becoming A Surrogate

But what does the process actually entail? It's actually quite lengthy than most realize but a good agency should walk her through every step of the way.

Here's the basic timeline:

1. Application: Fill out a detailed application with medical and personal history.
2. Screening: The agency runs background checks and schedules medical and psychological evaluations.
3. Matching: After approval, she is matched with intended parents who share similar values.
4. Legal contracts: Each attorney prepares legal documents dealing with pay, medical treatment and parental rights.
5. Medical process: Fertility medications prep the body, then the embryo transfer happens.
6. Pregnancy & delivery: She makes it to term with check-ins and assistance.
7. After birth: The surrogate recovers from childbirth and receives the final installment of payment.

Typically this program lasts 15-24 months from start to completion. It is time consuming but the assistance and rewards received are worth it.

Why Women Choose This Journey

Every surrogate has her own reasons but a few come up again and again.

Helping another family: This is the most important reason. Seeing intended parents hold their newborn baby for the first time is magical. Many surrogates say it's the most rewarding thing they've ever done.

Financial compensation: Another real benefit is financial compensation. Base pay covers time, effort and lost wages while pregnant. Since surrogacy in Los Angeles has been around for a while there is high demand and therefore strong compensation.

Personal growth: Many surrogates report feeling empowered by the experience. They feel stronger, more confident and more connected to their bodies. After all, it's not just pregnancy. It's a journey.

A lifelong connection: Some surrogates and intended parents remain in each others' lives for years after the baby is born. Some depart with only fond memories. Either way, the bond experienced is unique.

Bringing It All Together

Wanting to be a surrogate is a wonderful reason to help another family create theirs. It requires dedication, excellent health and support — but the reward is like no other.

To quickly recap the main surrogate requirements:

• Be between 21 and 40 years old
• Have had at least one healthy pregnancy and delivery
• Maintain a healthy BMI and lifestyle
• Pass medical and psychological screenings
• Have a stable, supportive home environment

Should a woman fit this criteria and feel led to assist another family, then perhaps surrogacy is her calling. Contacting a reputable agency, asking questions, and finding out if surrogacy is right for her is the next best step.

Because every baby born through surrogacy is proof of one thing…

Love builds families in more ways than one.